Capitalising on copper

Simon Walker from SIG Zinc & Copper shares his knowledge and insight into the benefits and approach to using copper in builds For designers and architects, selecting the most appropriate solution for cladding or roofing involves finding a balance between... View Article

Sizing up steel roofing tiles

David Padmore from Metrotile UK Ltd explores the versatile world of lightweight metal roofing systems: what they look like and their uses Even in these enlightened times, many people in the construction sector mention a ‘metal’ roofing system and they... View Article

Think zinc

Jonathan Lowy of VMZinc looks at the precise requirements of a complex metal roof and addresses the aesthetics and challenges involved The new library at Magdalene College in Cambridge – designed by Niall McLaughlin Architects – sits next to part... View Article

Security without compromise

STS202 is changing the game for security standards across the construction sector. Ash Pearson from Jack Aluminium talks us through the specification and what security benefits it can offer for buildings Security should always be a concern, but never an... View Article

The sustainability of galvanized steel

Galvanized steel is an integral part of everyday life and is all around us. But how does its prevalence today affect the environment of the future? How sustainable is it? What role does it play in the circular economy? And... View Article

The changing faces of facades

Philip West from Spanwall discusses the future of facades and how technology and legislation have created a new set of design expectations throughout the industry In the wake of unprecedented change, manufacturing firms across the globe are being forced to... View Article

A durable sustainability case

Sustainability needs to encompass long-term durability factors in addition to embodied energy to provide an accurate picture. Keith Aldis of BDA (Brick Development Association) explains how achieving this bolsters the eco case for brick When considering the materials that may... View Article

Sustainable fire safety

Kelly Westwood from Knauf Insulation discusses the critical need to combine fire safety and sustainability in buildings of the future COP26 in Glasgow brought a renewed focus and urgency to the long-term sustainability of the built environment. This is reflected... View Article

Striking a balance

The importance of ventilation and ensuring a healthy and comfortable interior environment is an essential part of building design. Andy Moul from Construction Specialties (CS) looks at factors which need to be taken into consideration when specifying external louvres as part... View Article

Sustainability strengths

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Nobody doubts the strength of steel as a construction material, but its qualities in the field of sustainability may be less immediately obvious, says Russell Ager from Crittall Windows It’s steel’s strength that makes the key contribution... View Article

Framing the MMC challenge

David Atkinson at Metsec explores why harnessing digitalisation and lightweight steel framing can maximise the benefits of MMC as the industry pursues its various goals The UK construction industry faces a challenge to improve the availability, quality and affordability of... View Article

Reclaiming bespoke’s role

Sourcing bricks and roof tiles for period renovations are a challenge for architects looking to balance aesthetic appeal, regulatory compliance, and heritage requirements. Nigel Dyer of Wienerberger proposes an alternative to reclaimed products External brickwork and roof tiles are critical... View Article

A clear set of challenges

The glazing industry, like many others, faced unprecedented issues with availability of materials and extending lead times during 2021. David Clarke of ID Systems explains why these challenges are likely to continue for the foreseeable future The Covid-19 pandemic saw... View Article

Internal glazing, safely

Cath McLean of Promat UK gives a technical breakdown on why the latest generation of fire resistant glazing allows internal glass elements to be designed to deliver multiple performance benefits – without compromising safety Creating safe buildings is an absolute... View Article

Keep an eye on the sky

With climate change at the forefront of everyone’s mind, Natalie Goodridge of Lamilux UK looks at how buildings and their components – such as skylights – need to be futureproofed and designed to withstand extreme weather events Residential, industrial and... View Article

Switch up your space

Whether you favour open plan living or more defined living spaces, most building users are fans of natural light. Susan Sinden from ESG looks at some clever ways to allow maximum light and best use of space, by using switchable... View Article

Paving the way for nature

LISTEN HERE 🔊 Chris Hodson of Interpave discusses why concrete block permeable paving (CBPP) is a key sustainable drainage system (SuDS) technique Extensive new tree planting with provision for long-term nurturing is now a requirement for developments, with new government... View Article

Purposefully porous

As a SuDS expert, Chris Griffiths of Marshalls explains why he is committed to bringing the approach into schemes using porous solutions to manage surface water in an increasingly challenging environmental context The latest State of the UK Climate report... View Article

Fireproofing green roofs

Julian Thurbin of modular green roof solutions supplier Wallbarn discusses the issues around ensuring fire performance of ‘living’ roofs and how to achieve compliance A key consideration for architects working on green roof projects has always been the load-bearing capability... View Article